Even though the value of the Manta air base lies more in the realm of trade (as a cargo transit point) than in the military, the air base's current U.S. military role means the potential impact on Sino-U.S. military relations cannot be ignored.
The latest turn in Sino-U.S. relations is being watched closely worldwide, as a deepening rift between the two nations could set back key trade and security issues.
"The Google incident is just an individual action taken by one company -- I can't see its impact on Sino-U.S. relations unless someone wants to politicize it, " said Qin Gang, ministry spokesperson.